Tour of South Africa: Onus on senior players as Pakistan eye comeback

Team returns to Centurion to play 2nd ODI today.

KARACHI: After being pounded in the first One-Day International (ODI) in Bloemfontein by 125 runs, Pakistan returns to Centurion hoping to bounce back against a ruthless South Africa side in the second ODI today.

The SuperSport Park has been a venue of mixed fortunes in the past for the tourists, who will be aiming to level the five-match series. Earlier on the tour, Pakistan faced an embarrassing defeat by an innings and 18 runs in the final Test at this venue, before earning a much-needed 95-run triumph in the only Twenty20 fixture.

However, the heavy defeat in the opening ODI overshadowed the comprehensive T20 victory, forcing the team management to hold a series of meetings with players to boost their confidence.

The team, after resting in Johannesburg for a couple of days following their first loss, went back to action in Centurion on Wednesday.

Seniors encouraged ahead of Centurion game

According to a team official, the Pakistan team was not just involved in regular training sessions to prepare for the important tie but was also made to go through additional routines.

“The coach (Dav Whatmore) and manager (Naveed Akram Cheema) held various meetings with players,” an official told The Express Tribune.

“The purpose was just to help them regain confidence. Definitely, it has been a tough tour for the players and the team management is doing everything to lift their morale. The management feels this team can still bounce back to end the tour on a positive note.”

The official revealed that the team management also held a special meeting with senior players including captain Misbahul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and Shahid Afridi, and other experienced players who have struggled on the tour so far.

“It wasn’t a scolding session as they were encouraged to perform better. The management feels the performance of the senior players can play a big role in getting good results.”

He added that the playing XI will be selected after making a final assessment of the conditions. However, a couple of changes could expected after the official hinted at the possibility of the inclusion of fast-bowlers Mohammad Irfan and Umar Akmal.

Proteas pacers urged to emulate Akram

South Africa are offering no respite to Pakistan as their spearhead bowler Dale Steyn is set to feature in the tie today.

Bowling coach Allan Donald has urged his bowlers to improve their yorkers and emulate Pakistan legend Wasim Akram.

“Nailing yorkers is our number one priority,” the former South Africa fast-bowler was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

“Not being able to bowl them out enough is what has let us down in the past, particularly when we are defending.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2013.